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Senate launches Mental Health Program: Senate Secretary Myra Marie Villarica opens Wednesday, June 1, 2022, the launching of the chamber’s Mental Health Program and the subsequent ceremonial turnover of the guidelines on the implementation of the Mental Health Program in the Senate of the Philippines. The Senate is one of the first government agencies that will implement Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act, which was signed into law on June 28, 2018. “The law provides for the full range of human rights for people with mental illness, including the right to participate fully in society and at work, free from stigmatization and discrimination,” Villarica stressed, adding that the passage of the law was timely because the COVID-19 has affected mental health. She said the implementation of a mental health program for Senate employees “is a very much welcomed development. This would greatly help our employees care for their mental health. The program will benefit those who have existing mental health challenges.” (Bonifacio Calvelo/Senate PRIB)